Whirlpool Trail — Attraction in Niagara Falls

The Whirlpool Trail did not disappoint! If you are travelling by car on the Niagara Parkway, there are several parking lots to stop off at and walk on the trail next to the river. As it was our first time, I downloaded the Parkedin app to be able to pay by the hour. This allowed me to explore leisurely without having to think about going back to "pay the meter". I had encountered a family that divulged they were fined $40 the last time they had come to hike. It is $8/hr and the app is easy to navigate.

For visibility, there is no map posted much like at other Provincial Trails. So if you don't have access to GPS on Google maps I would suggest going with someone who either is familiar with the trail or has GPS. I did not encounter a restroom or use one. I could only assume one could use the facilities at the Whirlpool Adventure Course.

If you park, there is an outlook at the top of the Gorge otherwise we took the long way through the forest. Remember that if it has rained, the trail flooring will be muddy, and rocks to be slippery. The trails descends, so be mindful of your steps since we went in October during the third week before Halloween. It is approximately an hour to traverse down the trail, often taking breaks as our 9-year old son who accompanied us is familiar with different terrains of hiking. I would categorize Whirlpool Trail as moderate to difficult, simply because of the stairs and the trek.

The stairway is uneven, and approximately 21 flights of stairs. I strongly suggest hiking shoes/boots because of the terrain, throught-out the forest since it is mostly downhill as you proceed towards the river. There are small bridges, boulders and platforms to rest with pets or young children. During our hike, we had observed folks of different age groups and varying levels of experience on the trail. Just be sure to pace yourself, pack water and a sustaining snack for when you get to the clearing.

The views are beautiful so take your time. The duration of our hike, with a 30 min resting period at the river...

Whirlpool Beach: where even getting lost is part of the adventure! Trust me, you'll want a guide or a really good sense of direction, unless you fancy taking scenic detours that add a laugh-worthy extra 30 minutes to your journey. This trail isn't your grandma's Sunday stroll; it's got more ups and downs than a soap opera storyline. Not recommended for the young, the old, or the high-heeled!

Ah, but the thrill of the trail is worth every gasp for air. Steep spots that make you question your life choices are quickly forgotten when you reach the beach. Gorgeous doesn't even begin to describe it. Think of it as nature's VIP lounge, complete with whirls and cool currents for your viewing pleasure. Oh, and it's a fisherman's dream—so quiet you can hear the fish planning their escape.

Short on time? No worries! This is a micro-vacation packed into a 30-minutes hike. And if you're counting, it's exactly 198 steps to reach the top. So, you can skip leg day at the gym. The view? Oh, it's like your favorite Instagram filter but better, especially when the sun's out to play.

So put on those hiking boots and get ready for a whirlwind of a time at Whirlpool Beach! Just don't forget to catch your breath before tackling those steps on the way back. Trust me,...

We visited the Niagara Glen and began our hike on the clearly marked Glen trails before continuing onto the Whirlpool Trail. Both sections were well marked, but there was a distinct difference between them. The Glen portion was easier to manage, especially with our three young children (ages nine, seven, and five), and is better suited for beginners or casual hikers. It was fascinating to see the massive boulders scattered throughout and to watch people bouldering along the way.

The Whirlpool section was a different experience entirely. It was far more challenging but also astonishingly beautiful. The huge escarpments, powerful rapids, and the whirlpool itself were awe-inspiring. This part of the hike included climbing rocks, walking through small waterfalls, crossing jagged rock beds, and keeping a close eye on the trail markers.

Our total hike was just over five kilometres. The kids found parts of it difficult but managed to finish, and even they described it as awesome by the end. Despite the effort required, the combination of rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery made it an...